Progressive steps are under way within District 1 in Yazoo County as one rural bridge reopens and headway continues to be made with a few others that remain closed at the time.
Supervisor Lee Moore said the Tinsley Road bridge opened last week, and he said the recent renovations should provide a more efficient bridge that should “last for years.”
“I was so glad to have this bridge get back open,” Moore said. “We have replaced all the pilings underneath, and we have allowed it to where more water and limbs coming down the creek underneath are able to pass more freely. In the past, the smaller passage was an issue. But this is a project that is much better and should last for years.”
Moore said the rail cars and steel were also delivered to Hebron Church Road last week, which remains closed for now.
“It will be a little while before we get work started because we have a few projects in other districts to get caught up on,” Moore said. “But we will get there as soon as we can. It won’t be years.”
Moore said he anticipates the Hebron Church bridge project should take long to complete, adding that he can deal handle a couple of weeks or a couple of months.
“That’s better than three or four years,” he continued.
Moore said he is very proud of the county bridge crew, which has been very helpful with both the Tinsley and Hebron Church Road projects.
“We are thankful and fortunate to have our own bridge crew that are able to work on the sizes of some of these bridges in-house,” Moore said. “I’m not sure how many counties have their own bridge crews capable of doing these kinds of projects.”
Moore also said that the last right-of-way was obtained in court for the Anding-Oil City bridge project, which has been closed for a couple of years.
“We are working with the railroad company to get a few more permits,” Moore said. “(County Engineer Larry) Dixon sent for state aid, and we are proceeding to move ahead. Hopefully, state aid will come in, and we can begin letting out bids to accept contracts.”
The Anding-Oil City bridge project has been a lengthy endeavor. Moore said he believes this is the county’s third attempt in addressing the troublesome bridge.
Moore said a verbal agreement has also been made in connection with the Hilderbrand Road bridge, which rests on one mortgage company that holds a .15 of an acre right-of-way.
“That is what is holding that up,” Moore said. “I don’t think some people realize how detrimental this project has been for that community, considering the small site holding it up.”
